Château Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion 2018 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B

We were waiting to see how this very early harvest would turn out… And we saw… Indeed, one can’t help but be captivated by the deep, mouth-watering nose. The cashmere-like mouthfeel gives way to an exquisitely fine, chalky texture that perfectly elongates the tannins, carrying the wine to a fresh, floral finish. Undoubtedly the greatest Troplong in the history of the 21st century.

Crowning the Côte Pavie, this 27-hectare vineyard has suffered less from erosion than any of the other Saint-Emilion crus. The uniqueness of this contiguous terroir stems from this specific location, as well as its very dense, heavy clays—originating from the Agenais region and interspersed with stones and pebbles. Its former owner, Catherine Valette-Pariente, who passed away in 2014, had restored Troplong Mondot to its former glory; the estate was acquired in 2017 by the reinsurer Scor. The property was then entrusted to Aymeric de Gironde, who had previously managed Cos d’Estournel, one of the Médoc’s most prominent classified growths. To help the wine gain more nuance and freshness, this native of the Charente region modified the winemaking process upon his arrival: a gentler method based on the infusion of pomace and raw materials, along with a reduction in the use of new barrels, were the first adjustments made. To better showcase the vineyard plots, a new winery is under construction: with this new facility, the team will be able to execute all technical processes with greater precision. It will also allow for better utilization of the latest land acquisitions—such as Clos Labarde and Bellisle-Mondotte, neighboring vineyards that will, for the time being, be blended into the second wine. In 2020, as part of this new concept, the restaurant is set to reopen with the same Michelin-starred chef, David Charrier. The 2017 and 2018 vintages mark the arrival of a fresher, more accessible style.

Troplong Mondot 2018 is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc, with an alcohol content of 15%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass, like a giant awakening, and unfurls an imposing bouquet of candied plums, blueberry tart, and morello cherries, with softer notes of violet, star anise, fruitcake, and a cast-iron skillet. Concentrated and full-bodied on the palate, it displays impressive purity and liveliness of fruit, blended with richer, riper notes, supported by firm, velvety tannins. It finishes with lovely freshness and a lingering iron-like note. This wine is not only delicious, but also very interesting. 2025–2050

 

Following the passing in 2014 of its owner, Christine Valette-Pariente, Troplong-Mondot—which sits atop the most commanding vantage point in Saint-Emilion—seems to be questioning its future. “Queen Christine,” along with her husband Xavier, embodied the rebirth of this estate, which was confirmed in 2012 as a Premier Grand Cru B. A well-deserved distinction, first and foremost due to the terroir, but also to the work carried out by Christine and Xavier Pariente over more than twenty years. Every vintage produced since the late 1980s (with 1989 and 1990 leading the way) has pushed the boundaries to demonstrate the excellence of this estate situated on the Mondot hill. A chapter has come to a close, one that has left its mark on the contemporary history of Saint-Emilion. It’s worth noting that the château features an excellent restaurant in an intimate and refined setting, as well as magnificent guest rooms (Les Belles Perdrix).

The 2018 Troplong Mondot will surprise readers who haven’t tasted these wines in a few years. With a breathtaking aromatic profile, the 2018 is silky, medium-bodied, and very refined. Once again, I am blown away by this wine’s absolute precision. Cabernet makes up only 15% of the blend, and yet this 2018 is so strongly marked by floral and savory notes. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, rose petal, and lavender unfold in the glass. This 2018 is majestic, refined, and absolutely exquisite. 2028–2043

This is a red wine that is both very linear and complex, revealing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black truffle, bark, and stone. There are also notes of chalk and minerality. It is full-bodied and well-structured, with magnificent intensity and freshness. Robust, it possesses remarkable structure and brilliance. The finish features salty and savory notes. Best enjoyed after 2024.

The 2018 vintage reveals freshness, above all else! It sets the stage, so to speak, and quickly seeks to break free from everything we associate with 2018 (the heat, downy mildew, etc.). It forges its own path, opening with the freshness of red berries and even the scent of the garrigue! On the palate, the wine is dense yet slender; it’s a paradox, but the result is compelling because its structure and tension channel its concentration. Ultimately, the wine is harmonious and ready to stand the test of time for decades to come. A great success. 2028–2053

Concentrated, full-bodied, deep, and opulent in texture, it displays great elegance and beautiful balance. It offers richness and power, but also symmetry. Pure fruit and freshness are the defining characteristics of this wine. It is expected to age for three decades and will be at its best after a decade of aging. The wine is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc.